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Waterfalls In Southern Utah

June 9, 2015

Hiking is a favorite past time in Southern Utah, and with such a variety of landscapes to enjoy, adventurers can experience something new on each excursion. We want to help you find the right hike for whatever you are seeking (slot canyons, majestic scenery, arches, waterfalls, or more), so we will be sharing a series of posts that detail some of the lesser-known hikes according to their unique features. These hikes have become local favorites and are far less crowded than the national parks. Enjoy!

Trails with Waterfalls

Kanarville Falls Slot Canyon

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 4 hours round trip

Distance: 4.4 miles (from parking)

Perfect for a hot Southern Utah day, this hike follows a river through Kanarra Creek slot canyon. Hikers will wade through the shaded creek, so come prepared with appropriate shoes and clothing. After scaling a makeshift ladder at the first waterfall, adventurous hikers emerge out of the cool canyon to a peaceful playground including natural water slides. This hike is great for kids and adults, but be careful on the ladder and slippery rocks.

Cascade Falls Trail

This short and easy trail rewards hikers with a natural water fall that flows directly from Navajo lake through a lava tube or sink hole and out the side of a cliff. Hikers will also enjoy spectacular views of Zion National Park from a different perspective than most tourists experience.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 0.08 miles

Photos: Courtesy of Utah Geological Survey

Hidden Haven

Difficulty: Moderate

Average Time: 1 hour or <

Distance: 1 mile round trip

Not only is this trail popular in the summer, but adventurers seek it out in the winter in order to climb the frozen pillar created by the waterfall. This trail will guide hikers through a wildlife study area, complete with picnic tables and rest areas. The trail is lined with vegetation and concludes with a granite rock fall and a 20 foot waterfall

Photos: Courtesy of Dow Williams

Discover the Hidden Gems of Southern Utah

April 22, 2015

When people think of Southern Utah, they envision red rock, sprawling national parks, and magnificent live theater. While we are happy to share information about these well known attractions, we love to visit with our guests and give them the locals’ insights on day activities, dining, and shopping. Give us a call, and we’ll personally help you plan your next visit to Cedar City and Southern Utah, but here are a few tips to get you started.

Outdoor Activities

Brian Head Resort This is not just a ski resort. Brian Head’s summer season will definitely be a hit with the whole family with a zip line, climbing wall, bungee trampoline, local brews, great food, music, and so much more. Beat the heat with summer temperatures around 75 degrees.

HikingAvoid the crowded national parks and take the path less traveled. Our trails range from easy walks to more challenging over-night excursions. Visitors can see natural arches, waterfalls, slot canyons, and more.

Cedar Ridge Golf CourseWhether you are a seasoned pro or novice, you will enjoy playing against the red rock backdrop of Cedar City. Practice on the driving range, putting and chipping green before you play the 18 hole course. Beginners can take lessons from a certified PGA professional.

Family Activities

Cedar City Aquatic CenterWith an indoor leisure pool, water play ground, water slide, lazy river, lap pool, hot tub, a family is sure to have a fun and relaxing afternoon.

Lake at the Hills Spend a day at the beach without the long drive. The lake offers a sandy beach, swimming, fishing, non-motorized boating, and kayak rentals all within a five minute drive from the Abbey Inn.

Frontier Homestead State ParkDiscover what Iron County was like when settlers first came to Cedar City. The family will enjoy learning through historical exhibits, games, crafts, and demonstrations.

Shopping

Cedar City Historic Downtown Sip on a malted milk shake at the classic Bulloch Drugstore, stroll through local art galleries, decor and clothing shops, see a movie in the Historic Downtown Theatre, or dine at some of the favorite local eateries. Historic Downtown encapsulates the charm and small town appeal of Cedar City.

Boulevard Home Furnishings Locally owned and designed around Cedar City heritage, the Boulevard store is a unique combination of small town personality with trusted, quality brands.

Providence Center Home to the famous Cedar City Light House, the Providence Center offers a variety of local and chain stores and restaurants. If you forgot something for your trip, you will find it here. And yes, there is a Starbucks in Cedar City.

Dining

Centro Woodfired Pizzeria Fresh, gourmet, and local ingredients artistically combined on top of a smokey, thin crust pizza. Salads, charcuterie, and gelato to finish it off.

Brick House Cafe Winner of Best of State Diner 2014 & 2015. Creative twists on traditional diner favorites: burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast. With such full portions, dessert is for the die-hards, but you should at least order it to go. Pies, pastries, and fudge.

Brody’s Mexican Restaurant Locally owned and lovingly operated, Brody’s stands out in the sea of Cedar City Mexican restaurants. Their signature dish, Molcajete, is a combination of meat and vegetables (your choices), served sizzling in a hot lava rock bowl with warm corn tortillas. Mix and match from their list of street tacos to build a delicious an affordable lunch.

We hope these recommendations help during your next stay in Cedar City. If you have any tips that you’d like us to share, please let us know.

Learn to Ski or Snowboard at Brian Head

February 5, 2015

Have you always wanted to learn to ski and/or snow board but never found the time or motivation to do it? If so, you are not alone. Not only is it an expensive sport to get into (lift pass, lessons, gear, etc.), but it takes a lot of courage to try something new, especially when mistakes are so public and painful. It’s all too easy to find any excuse to not do it, even though you know how much fun others are having.

Well Brian Head Ski Resort wants to help you overcome your fears and excuses and finally join your family and friends on the slopes this winter. They are offering a program called Brian Head University where they guarantee that you will Learn in 3 or it’s Free. This is the first season for the program, and they have pulled out all the stops in order to convert you into a life long skier or snowboarder.

Included in this $199 package deal you will receive:

3 Terrain Based Group Lessons on days of your choice (they recommend you reserve your spot 72 hours prior)

Vacation home rentals in Cedar City, UT

Did you know that the Abbey Inn of Cedar City also has three vacation home rentals? These homes are adjacent to the hotel and include all of the hotel amenities along with a FULL HOT BREAKFAST! These vacation homes are the perfect solution for a large party visiting the National Parks, Shakespeare Festival, or the Utah Summer Games. To find out more and to reserve your vacation home rental CLICK HERE

Soap Used to Save Lives

Have you ever wondered what happens to the millions of bars of soap that hotels discard every day? Like so many other useful things, it is often thrown in the garbage and sent to our landfills where it sits indefinitely. At the same time, there are millions of people who are living without basic hygiene, and the resulting illnesses claim more than 1.7 million lives each year.

Fortunately, the Global Soap Project has created a way to eliminate these two problems with one solution, and we at the Abbey Inn are proud to partner with them in this endeavor. We collect used soap and send it to the GSP plant in Las Vegas where it is purified and reprocessed into new bars. In the last six months, we have collected and donated about 200 pounds of used soap.

The new soap bars are shipped to 32 different countries to help vulnerable populations like disaster victims, refugees, the homeless, and mothers and children living in extreme poverty. There, it saves lives and helps prevent illnesses such as pneumonia and diarrhea.

Simple hand washing with soap is something we take for granted, and we are thankful for the Global Soap Project for giving us a way to offer this basic necessity to others.

When you are staying at the Abbey Inn or any other participating hotel, you can help by cleaning your used soap and removing any debris. See www.globalsoap.org to help the cause of spreading health.

Utah Shakespeare Festival Tips

Utah Shakespeare Festival Tips

Over the years, we at the Abbey Inn have learned a few things about Cedar City during the Shakespeare Festival: how to avoid crowds, how to get the most bang for your buck, and how to fill your vacation with life-long memories. Here are some tips to help you plan your “Shakesperience.” Let us know any ideas that you have.

Dress in layers (The Adam’s theater is outdoors, and a sprinkle of rain happens occasionally. Also, the AC in the Randall Jones and Auditorium can make the indoor theaters pretty chilly. If you get too hot, you can always take off a layer.)

Let us make your dinner reservations. (Evening play orientation starts at 6 pm, the Green Show at 7, and the plays at 8. If you wish to eat at 5, you will want a reservation to get ahead of the crowds.)

Stay at the Abbey Inn, of course! (#1 hotel on TripAdvisor.com, close to dining, shopping, and about a 10 minute walk to the festival.)

Get a Good Deal

Plan to visit at the end of August and during the fall. (Fewer crowds and less expensive rooms and tickets.)

Come in groups of at least 5 rooms and 12 people. (The festival and the Abbey Inn offer group discounts.)

Stay in one of the Abbey’s vacation homes (You can cook your own meals and accommodate more people for less.)

Ask us about a current “last minute deal.”

Have More Fun

Visit the national parks & monuments (You don’t need to be “outdoorsy” to enjoy the beauty of Southern Utah. Get an annual pass, and you can come as often as you like and visit other parks across the country.)

Golf and Massage (Play a round of golf among the red rocks of Cedar City and relax with a soothing massage before your plays. We are happy to reserve a tee time and a massage for you.)

Southern Utah University (Take family pictures on the lovely campus, tour the Braithwaite Art Gallery, see music and dance concerts, or cheer at a game.)

Frontier Homestead Museum (Learn about Cedar City heritage)

How to Save Money on Your Hotel

There are so many ways to save on lodging during you trip to Cedar City. Here are our top recommendations. Let us know if you have any other ideas.

Avoid online travel sites (i.e. Expedia, Priceline, etc.)

By booking with us directly, you can negotiate, modify, or cancel a reservation
more easily because you eliminate the middleman.

Be ﬂexible on dates and stay on weekdays (Sunday-Thursday)

Rates vary depending on season and occupancy. To get the best deal, stay during the
slower periods

Travel in groups

We offer discounted rates if you have 5 or more rooms.

Ask for a last minute upgrade

If a suite is available, you may be able to get it for a discounted rate.

Ask about a our loyalty program

We offer frequent stay programs, extended stay programs, and bounce back deals. Let us know you will be returning.

Brian Head Triple Crown

This Saturday, February 8th will be the second installment in the Brian Head Triple Crown series. Snow boarders will compete in the Slope Style event on the newly constructed Bypass Terrain Park at Brian Head where they will perform a variety of outstanding tricks. This event begins at 1 pm.

This is Brian Head’s first season hosting the Triple Crown event. The Rail Jam, the first event in the series, was a huge success with incredible talent turning out to compete. There are 4 categories for professional, amateur, men, and women with each category awarding 3 prizes. It’s only $5 to register and free to watch, so make your way up here and enjoy what we hope will be a long standing tradition at Brian Head.

The third and final installment is coming up on March 8th, the Big Air event. Details coming soon.